Charlotte Davey | Contributing Writer | Friday, 8 July 2016

Everything You Need To Know About Jonathan Pie

The Debrief: Jonathan Pie is taking the internet by storm. We tell you all you need to know about the hilarious character's satirical journalism and the real guy in front of the camera.

Unless you've been living in a political chasm over the past year, chances are you'll have seen YouTube videos on your newsfeed of an irate news reporter caught on camera mouthing off whichever politician is hot news that week. He's funny, brutal, rasor sharp, and is gaining popularity at an alarming pace, so we've gathered everything you need to know about the UK's sweariest news reporter.

Who is Jonathan Pie?

Jonathan Pie is the brainchild of comedian and actor, Tom Walker. He's a potty-mouthed, highly quotable parody of a journalist who can often be found outside Westminster bemoaning current affairs. His aim is to deliver 'news - told the way it should be'. In an interview with RT, Walker explains that in mainstream news, 'there is quite often an agenda rather than just telling the news, telling facts' - Jonathan Pie is his answer to this.

Who's Tom Walker?

Tom Walker is an actor living in London. He graduated from Drama School in 2000, doesn't have a political background, and never intended to be a satirist - according to Walker, 'Jonathan Pie was just an idea I've had in my head for years'. The catalyst came when Jeremy Corbyn was elected - Walker was furious at the way in which the press 'pounced on him [Corbyn] with ... blatant fucking lies'.

Where can I watch Jonathan Pie?

Jonathan Pie can be found angrily expostulating on Youtube and on his Facebook and Twitter pages. This summer, he'll also be performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

You can also watch his latest video all about Donald Trump (urgh) here...

Who is Jonathan Pie a reporter for?

So, we've established that, alas, Jonathan Pie isn't a real news reporter - so who's recording him? When Walker started out, he was a one man team with a camera and a tripod. Now, he works for RT UK, who record and edit his work.

Is it off the cuff?

Walker tries not to learn his lines, preferring to write them down 'loosely'. His most scripted piece was the video that brought him internet fame, racking up millions of views after it was shared on a Facebook page without his knowledge.

Jonathan Pie, news reporter:

"And the award for the best post-Brexit analysis goes to..." @JonathanPieNews https://t.co/v1rx6kP4NU
— Steph Mulrine (@StephMulrine) July 3, 2016

Once again @JonathanPieNews sums up my feelings to a tee https://t.co/uUg2kOBULp #TheresaMay
— Nicola (@Osborneosaurus) July 4, 2016

This with massive bells on needs ramming up twitter’s pious, judgemental arsehole. https://t.co/5fliT3dhPo
— Steve (@steveindisguise) July 1, 2016

Jonathan Pie speaks it like it is, essentially, it's funny 'cause it's true. Even though he has no background in hard news or politics, he manages to sum up exactly what we'd want to articulately riff off to a bigoted aunt, when in fact all we can manage to mumble is 'yeah, but like, the economy 'n stuff'. He also uttered the phrase '18 silver spoons of poison per serving of the full fat, Tory right wing austerity jizzum tsunami', which is pretty fucking hilare.